WO2009053579A2 - Foodstuff display stand, especially for sales areas - Google Patents

Abstract

Foodstuff display stand (10) comprising a display space (12) designed to hold foodstuffs, at least one member (19) for diffusing fine droplets of liquid towards the display space, and a generator (14) of fine droplets, connected upstream of the diffusion member, the generator of fine droplets comprising a tank for holding the liquid to be diffused, an ultrasound emitter housed inside the tank to emit ultrasounds into the liquid in the tank, and, housed inside the tank, a nozzle for focussing the emitted ultrasounds in order to focus the ultrasounds at a point in the liquid.

Description

 Exhibition of food products, especially for sales areas.

The present invention relates to displays of exposure of food products, especially for sales areas. In sales areas, to preserve the freshness of certain food products, such as seafood (fish, seafood, shellfish ...), fruits or vegetables, and thus to promote their conservation, it is known to diffuse fine droplets of water around these food products.

For this purpose, it is already known in the state of the art, a display of food products, comprising

- an exhibition space, intended to receive food products,

at least one member for diffusing fine droplets of liquid towards the exhibition space, and

a generator of fine droplets connected upstream to the diffusion member. Exhibition displays include fixed displays and modular displays. Fixed displays, usually several meters long, are fixed to the ground. Modular displays, usually with an exhibition area of 1 or 2 m ² (square meters), are movable, for example by being mounted on wheels, to allow the operator to modify the organization of his radius at will. In the case of a modular display, the fine droplet generator must be integrated in the display and must, therefore, have a small footprint.

However, the generator must provide a predetermined minimum flow rate, usually 0.6L / hr / m ² (Liter per hour per square meter), to be sufficiently efficient. In the state of the art, the generators built into the displays are usually too bulky or not powerful enough.

The object of the invention is in particular to remedy this disadvantage by providing a display of food products including a generator of small size and of sufficient power. For this purpose, the subject of the invention is an exposure display of food products, comprising

- an exhibition space, intended to receive food products,

at least one member for diffusing fine droplets of liquid towards the exposure space; and a generator of fine droplets connected upstream to the diffusion member, in which the fine droplet generator comprises: a tank intended to receive the liquid to be diffused,

an ultrasonic transmitter, housed in the tank, intended to emit ultrasound in the liquid of the tank,

- An ultrasound focusing nozzle, housed in the tank, for focusing the ultrasound to a point of the liquid.

The generated ultrasound creates a depression in the liquid of the tank, which induces the creation of a jet of liquid at the outlet of the nozzle. The nozzle focuses the ultrasound to a precise point of this liquid, usually in the liquid jet. Thus, a mist of fine droplets is generated, this fog being conveyed to the diffusion member by conventional means, for example by means of a stream of air carrying the droplets, then diffused towards the space d exhibition thanks to this diffusion organ.

It should be noted that, once the ultrasonic transmitter has been put into operation, the jet of product is continuously fed by suction due to the acoustic pump effect of the ultrasound, and the mist of fine droplets is continuously generated, without the use of an additional pump.

Since the droplet generator does not have a pump, it is compact and requires little energy to operate. However, such a generator is powerful enough to ensure a minimum flow of 0.6L / h / m ² .

Optionally, a display according to the invention comprises a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the liquid to be diffused and the exposure space.

Usually, the exhibition space is equipped with ice (seafood display) or is subjected to a cold airflow (meat product display). The heat exchanger cools the liquid, as well as the air carrying the droplets, using the coolness of this ice or cold airflow.

Thus, the liquid keeps a sufficiently low temperature, for example less than 2 ° C, as is imposed by the current legislation when certain types of food products, for example seafood, are displayed on the shelf. This heat exchanger makes it possible to dispense with a cold room usually placed near the display, and to overcome the problems of heating the air carrying the droplets in the pipes of the display.

Preferably, the diffusion member is adjustable in height, for example telescopic. For an optimal efficiency of the scattered droplets, they should be diffused at a certain height above the products, for example at a height of 5 cm. Indeed, if this height was too high, the droplets, as well as the air carrying these droplets, would heat up before reaching the food products, and some of these droplets would dissipate before reaching these products.

On the other hand, if this height was too low, the droplets would only cover the first products encountered, and would not be diffused throughout the exhibition space. In addition, the droplets could wet the first products encountered.

However, in a conventional display, the height of the nozzles above the products varies, when products are added or removed from the display, when the amount of ice in the exhibition space is greater (for example in winter) or when the ice melts.

Thanks to the height-adjustable diffusers, the operator can modify the height of these diffusion members according to the height of the products, to optimize the diffusion of fine droplets. It should be noted that, in order to achieve optimum efficiency, it is preferable to create a Coanda effect that will keep the air carrying the droplets against the walls of the exhibition space.

A display according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following features. - The heat exchanger is made of stainless steel. This material is indeed preferable for reasons of hygiene and resistance to cleaning agents. The heat exchanger comprises a liquid collector arranged in the exhibition space, in particular for collecting the water from the ice melt formed in the exhibition space. Since the melted ice has a temperature close to 0 ° C., it is possible to bathe part of the heat exchanger in this melted ice to improve the efficiency of this exchanger and / or reduce its length. The ultrasonic transmitter is a piezoelectric element, preferably a piezoelectric ceramic. The droplet generator comprises a fan for blowing the fine droplets generated so as to transport these droplets towards the diffusion member.

The droplet generator comprises means for controlling the consumable product distribution, connected to means for verifying operating conditions, so that the distribution is stopped. -A- when operating conditions do not comply with usage specifications.

The display being intended to be arranged in conjunction with another display of the same type, it comprises means for synchronizing the product distribution with the distribution of the other display.

The display is of the modular type. Indeed, the invention is particularly advantageous in the case of a modular display. However, it could also be applied to a fixed display.

The droplet generator comprises means of connection to at least one diffusion member carried by at least one other display.

The invention also relates to a fine droplet generator, comprising:

a tank intended to receive liquid to be diffused,

an ultrasonic transmitter, housed in the tank, intended to emit ultrasound in the liquid of the tank,

an ultrasound focussing nozzle emitted, housed in the tank, intended to focus the ultrasound towards a point of the liquid, characterized in that the fine droplet generator further comprises means for fixing to an exposure display of food products and means for connection to at least one droplet diffusion member carried by the display, for supplying said diffusion member in fine droplets.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display according to an example embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the display of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view along arrows MI-III of the display of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a diffusion member of the display of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a diffusion member of the display according to a variant embodiment,

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fine droplet generator equipping the display of FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of part of the generator of FIG. 6.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exhibition of food products, especially for sales areas. The exposure display is designated by the general reference 10. In the example described, the exposure display 10 is of the modular type.

The display 10 includes an exhibition space 12 for receiving food products for display for sale. For example, these food products may be fruits, vegetables, cheese, seafood (fish, seafood, shellfish ...) or meat products (meat ...).

In order to promote the conservation of these food products, the display comprises a generator 14 of fine droplets of liquid, generally water, fixed for example to a stand 16 of the display, by means of removable fixing means 17 . This generator 14 is connected upstream, by means of removable connection means 18, to at least one, for example five members 19 for scattering the fine droplets generated towards the exposure space 12.

Since the fastening means 17 and connection 18 are removable, the display 10 can be easily mounted or disassembled, which facilitates its movement and / or cleaning. Note that the fastening means 17 preferably comprise fixing strips, for mounting the generator 14 on any conventional display without modification thereof.

It will be noted that, in order to optimize the diffusion of the droplets on the exposed products, these droplets must be diffused at a predetermined height above these products, for example 5 cm (centimeters). In order to adjust this height, each diffusion member 19, one of which is shown in more detail in Figure 4, is adjustable in height. For example, each diffusion member 19 is telescopic.

For this purpose, each diffusion member comprises at least first 19A and second 19B tubular elements, the first 19A having a diameter of about 0.1 mm smaller than the diameter of the second 19B. Thus, the first tubular element 19A is able to slide in the second tubular element 19B so as to vary the height of the diffusion member 19.

Note that the clearance of about 0.1 mm between the tubular elements 19A, 19B makes it possible to seal between these tubular elements. Indeed, when using the diffusion member 19, droplets of water are introduced between these elements tubular, thus forming a sufficiently efficient water seal due to the very low air pressure.

Each diffusion member 19 is provided with a member 20 for blocking the sliding between the first 19A and second 19B tubular elements, for example a knurled stainless steel screw, for locking the tubular elements to the desired diffusion height. In a variant shown in FIG. 5, the locking member may be a seal ring 21, making it possible to apply a pressure on the first tubular element 19A sufficiently to hold this tubular element, but also sufficiently loose so that the user can change the height of the diffusion member 19 by simple manual action on the tubular element 19A.

In order to ensure a sufficient flow of diffused droplets, preferably at least 0.6L / h / m ² , while being compact, the generator 14 of fine droplets, shown in greater detail in FIGS. 6 and 7, comprises a tank 22 intended to receive the liquid to be diffused, an ultrasonic emitter 24, housed in the tank 22, intended to emit ultrasound in the liquid of the tank, and a nozzle 26 for focussing the emitted ultrasound, housed in the tank 22, for focusing the ultrasound to a point of the liquid.

The tank 22 is supplied with liquid using a water inlet 28, connected to an external liquid distributor, for example a mains water tap. This water supply 28 is preferably provided with a manual valve 30 for manually interrupting or activating the water supply in the droplet generator 14.

The ultrasonic transmitter 24 is preferably a piezoelectric element, for example a piezoelectric ceramic. The droplet generator 14 comprises control means 32 for the distribution of liquid, in particular controlling this ultrasonic transmitter 24. For example, the control means 32 comprise a power electronics circuit 32, sealed, supplied with electricity at the same time. using an electrical outlet 34 that can be connected to the mains. It should be noted that the power supply is at low voltage, because of the humid environment.

This power electronics circuit 32 controls in particular the activation or the extinction of the ultrasonic transmitter 24, according to specific operating conditions, for example as a function of the level of liquid in the tank 22. In fact, for a good operation, the amount of product in the tank 22 must be maintained between a predetermined minimum and maximum, the ultrasonic transmitter 24 to be in particular to be covered with a minimum amount of liquid during its operation, to avoid overheat and get damaged. The specific operating conditions are measured using means 36 for verifying the operating conditions, connected to the control means 32. For example, the verification means 36 comprise a liquid level sensor 37, intended to measure the level. The droplet generator 14 also comprises at least one, for example two sealed solenoid valves 38, for controlling or stopping the supply of the tank 22 in liquid. The solenoid valves 38 are usually controlled by the control means 32. For example, a first solenoid valve makes it possible to supply the tank 22 with liquid when the level sensor 36 detects an insufficient level of liquid. A second solenoid valve, normally open type, allows to evacuate the product from the tank when the generator is off, to ensure a certain level of hygiene.

Note that the tank 22 is provided with an opening 39 for discharging liquid, intended to allow the evacuation of the liquid when it reaches a predetermined maximum level.

During operation of the droplet generator 14, the tank 22 is supplied with liquid. When the level sensor 36 detects that the liquid level is sufficient for proper operation of the ultrasonic transmitter 24, it is turned on. The generated ultrasound then create a depression in the product, which induces the creation of a stream of liquid product at the outlet of the nozzle 26.

This jet of liquid reduces the level of liquid in the nozzle 15, which is then fed with liquid by a system of communicating vessels. Thus, once the ultrasonic transmitter 24 is put into operation, the jet of liquid is continuously fed without the use of an additional pump. The nozzle 26 focuses the ultrasound into the liquid jet, thereby generating a mist of fine droplets. The mist of fine droplets thus generated is discharged through a duct 39, in particular by means of a fan 40. This duct 39 is connected upstream of the diffusion members 19, via a pipe 42.

Note that the generator 14 of fine droplets has the additional advantages of having a constant efficiency regardless of its inclination (preferably between 40 and 90 °), and can be cleaned simply with a jet of Water without electrical risk and without risk for the operation of the generator.

In order to ensure that the temperature of the fine droplets remains sufficiently low, preferably less than 2 ° C., the display 10 comprises a heat exchanger 44, preferably of stainless steel, intended to exchange heat between the droplets of liquid to broadcast and exhibition space 12. Indeed, in the event that the exhibition space 12 exposes seafood or meat products, this space 12 is filled with ice or subjected to a blast of cold air. The exchanger 44 thus refreshes the liquid with the help of the coolness of the ice or this cold air blast.

In the example shown, the exchanger 44 comprises a liquid collector 46 arranged in the exhibition space 12. This collector 46 is intended to collect the water from the melting of the ice formed in the space of In fact, since this meltwater of ice has a temperature close to 0.degree. C., the piping 42 passes into this meltwater so as to effectively cool the liquid to be diffused.

It will be noted that the length of the pipe 42 passing through this meltwater of ice is determined as a function of the ambient temperature envisaged in the place of exposure (large surface area ...) and the desired temperature for the liquid to be diffused.

(about 2 ° C). A length of 2 meters is usually sufficient for satisfactory efficiency.

In the case where the display 10 is intended to be arranged in conjunction with another display of the same type, synchronization means are provided for synchronizing the diffusion of liquid with that of the other display, for example so that the diffusions of droplets are performed simultaneously on all displays.

A modular display 10 according to the invention is particularly advantageous in that it can be moved and connected or disconnected to the water and electricity networks simply and quickly, generally without requiring tools.

Finally, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiment previously described.

Indeed, alternatively, the display could be fixed.

In another variant, at least one other display could have its diffusion members connected downstream of the droplet generator 14 of the display 10, using a simple piping system. In this case, the droplet generator 14 comprises connection means to at least one diffusion member carried by at least one other display.

Claims

1. Display (10) of food exposure, comprising an exposure space (12) for receiving food products; at least one member (19) for the diffusion of fine liquid droplets towards the exposure space (12), and - a generator (14) of fine droplets, connected upstream to the diffusion member (19), characterized in that the fine droplet generator (14) comprises: - a tank (22) for receiving the liquid to be diffused , an ultrasonic transmitter (24), housed in the tank (22), for emitting ultrasound into the liquid of the tank (22), - An emitting ultrasonic focusing nozzle (26) housed in the tank (22) for focusing the ultrasound towards a point of the liquid. 2. Display (10) according to claim 1, comprising a heat exchanger (44) for exchanging heat between the liquid to be diffused and the exposure space (12). 3. Display (10) according to claim 2, wherein the heat exchanger (44) is stainless steel. 4. Display (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the heat exchanger (44) comprises a collector (46) of liquid arranged in the exposure space (12), in particular for collecting water from melting ice in the exhibition space (12). 5. Display (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ultrasound emitter (24) is a piezoelectric element, preferably a piezoelectric ceramic. 6. Display (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the droplet generator (14) comprises a fan (40) for blowing the fine droplets generated so as to transport these droplets towards the diffusion member (19). ). 7. Display (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the droplet generator (14) comprises means (32) for controlling the liquid distribution, connected to means (36) of verification of conditions of operation, so that dispensing is stopped when the operating conditions do not comply with usage specifications. 8. Display (10) according to claim 7, intended to be arranged in conjunction with another display of the same type, comprising means of synchronization of the liquid diffusion with the diffusion of the other display. 9. Display (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diffusion member (19) is adjustable in height, for example telescopic. 10. Display (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, of the modular type. 11. Display (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the generator (14) of droplets comprises means for connection to at least one diffusion member carried by at least one other display. 12. Generator (14) of fine droplets, comprising: a tank (22) intended to receive liquid to be diffused, an ultrasound emitter (24), housed in the tank (22), intended to emit ultrasound into the liquid of the tank (22), - a nozzle (26) for focusing ultrasound emitted, housed in the tank (22); ), for focusing the ultrasound to a point of the liquid, characterized in that the fine droplet generator (14) further comprises means for attachment to a display (10) for exposing food products, and connection means at least one fine droplet diffusion member (19) carried by the display (10) for supplying said fine droplet diffusion member (19).